Auburn's backup linemen ready if needed

Neil Caudle shows his speed on the way to a 52-yard touchdown run against Ball State (Todd Van Emst photo)Auburn backup offensive lineman Bart Eddins and Jared Cooper say they’re in the mix with true freshman John Sullen to play guard against Tennessee this weekend.

They accepted it as part of the business of football.

``This is what you come here for,’’ Cooper said Sunday.

Auburn is looking for players after Byron Isom was suspended for breaking an undisclosed team rule before Saturday’s win over Ball State. Chizik hasn’t said whether Isom will be available for Tennessee, but Eddins and Cooper say they’re practicing with designs on playing.

Eddins is the backup center by trade and Cooper is the backup tackle. Eddins shrugged off the possibility of playing guard because some of the linemen practice at different positions during the week, anyway.

``It’s just typical rotation. Nothing new,’’ Eddins said.

**Tailback Onterio McCalebb said he could have returned in the second half if he had been needed after suffering an ankle injury against Ball State.

``I’ll be good for Saturday,’’ he said.

He was not limping after Sunday's practice.

Kodi Burns, who left with a thigh injury, said Saturday night that he expects to play, too.

**Defensive coordinator Ted Roof welcomed end Antoine Carter to the football season Saturday. He had three tackles after missing the first three games with an undisclosed injury.

``There’s no substitution for playing. He brought us some juice,’’ Roof said.

**Gabe McKenzie played both tight end and defensive end. Roof said it’s ``very early’’ to know how much McKenzie can contribute on defense.

``We’re looking for all hands on deck,’’ Roof said. ``He’s a salty old veteran.’’

**Running back Ben Tate dropped to third in the SEC in rushing, but Auburn is tied for tops in the league in total offense.

Tennessee is third in total defense.

``This will be a real test to where we’re really at,’’ Tate said.

**Quarterback Chris Todd, he of five TD passes Saturday, had a tip of the fedora for backup QB Neil Caudle, who scored on a 52-yard run.

``I knew he could move pretty good. I didn’t know he was going to bust that one like that. That was pretty exciting,'' Todd said.